Neighborhood crosswalk project improving community relationships with art

AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — For local artist DeAndre Jones, this was a day that he didn’t see coming.

“I think it’s always amazing to see your art come to fruition,” said Jones, who recently graduated from West Texas A&M University with a Bachelors degree in Graphic Design.

“I didn’t think I would ever be able to see my designs displayed in such a grandiose way.”

Jones grew up in the North Heights neighborhood, and says the project is close to his heart.

“I have a lot of memories of being in this community and a lot of people in it. I’m very thankful for the opportunity,” he said.

Jones created the designs on the crosswalks, which are all part of the Creative Crosswalk Project by the North Heights Advisory Association, in conjunction with the City of Amarillo.

“It looked like one time that it was not going to happen,” said North Amarillo resident and Potter County Commissioner Warren Coble. “But you understand what I understand if something’s worth doing, you just stay after it. They did a beautiful job on it.”

Coble told MyHighPlains.com that not only are the crosswalks a beautiful addition to the neighborhood, they serve as signs of progress.

“I think what’s gonna happen is the other projects that’s waiting to get done in this neighborhood, I think this thing jump started it. This is gonna help us work better with the city and the city to work better with us,” Coble explained.

Coble detailed that some of the future projects include improved lighting, sidewalks, water pressure and addressing the issue of the toxic gas hydrogen sulfide.

“The toxic gas and the water lines that’s next, we’re talking about health, things of that nature,” he told us.

As for Jones, he hopes to continue using his gift of art to paint a picture of a better world.

“It’s being able to create an entire world with a pencil or paintbrush. It’s something I’ve always loved, and now i wanna just share that love with everybody,” he said.